klisemfg Chapter 527 Speed!
Chapter 527 Speed!
In this tense atmosphere, White Fang's deterrent power was particularly crucial. He rarely directly participated in rear-area affairs, but whenever word spread that spies were frequently active in a certain area, he would appear there silently. Often, a day or two later, those restless figures would completely disappear, the lingering chakra fluctuations in the air a testament to his presence. His existence was like a sword hanging overhead, deterring any restless spy from making any rash moves. Under White Fang's iron fist, some ninjas who had attempted to take advantage of the chaos finally restrained themselves, temporarily alleviating the overt threat to the rear supply lines.
However, Zhang Hai understood that this was merely a facade. The real threats were often much more deeply hidden. He put down the ledger in his hand, wearily rubbed his temples, and went straight to Bai Ya's tent. Inside the tent, Bai Ya was carefully studying a map, his brows furrowed. "Lord Bai Ya," Zhang Hai's voice was slightly hoarse.
Bai Ya looked up at him and gestured for him to sit down. "Zhang Hai, you must be having a tough time lately. Thanks to you, things are going well back home." His tone was gentle, but his eyes remained sharp.
Zhang Hai shook his head and said in a deep voice, "The hard work is secondary. It's just that I always feel that those rats lurking in the shadows haven't been completely eliminated. They've just temporarily hidden themselves, waiting for their chance. You've already deterred the threats in the open, but those hidden in the shadows... I'm afraid we'll need to take the initiative."
White Fang didn't speak, but listened quietly.
"I beg Lord White Fang to allow me to remain hidden and eliminate these hidden threats," Zhang Hai said firmly, looking directly into White Fang's eyes. Although he wasn't a primarily offensive ninja, he possessed exceptional talent in stealth, perception, and tracking. Coupled with his understanding of the enemy's intelligence gathering methods, he believed he was more efficient than many ninjas in these areas. Moreover, this was his way of proactively seeking change, no longer passively waiting for danger to strike.
Bai Ya pondered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Zhang Hai for several seconds, as if trying to see through him. Finally, he nodded and said, "I agree. Your keen senses and skill in infiltration make you the best candidate to deal with these hidden spies." He paused, his tone suddenly becoming more relaxed, "However, you've come at the right time. The frontline command has also realized the importance of stability in the rear and has specifically sent people here to assist in handling these kinds of concealed threats."
Zhang Hai was taken aback, then a sense of unease welled up within him. Someone sent from the front lines? Who could it be? He feared nothing more than encountering those self-important, flashy, so-called "elites." "Lord White Fang," Zhang Hai said firmly, "in that case, I humbly request that you arrange someone to accompany me. But let me make this clear: if that person hinders me, I will not tolerate them and will act alone." His tone was unwavering; he didn't want to put himself in danger because of an incompetent teammate.
Upon hearing this, Bai Ya's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "Don't worry, the people sent by the frontline command are definitely not lacking in strength. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to let them interfere in the rear areas I'm responsible for." His eyes revealed absolute confidence and approval of the people from the front lines.
Just then, the tent flap was gently lifted. A golden figure appeared in the doorway, bathed in a dazzling halo of sunlight. He was tall and straight, wearing the iconic Konoha vest, with handsome features and a gentle smile on his lips.
"Lord White Fang, you wanted to see me?" the man spoke first, his voice clear and full of energy. He first greeted White Fang respectfully, then his gaze fell on Zhang Hai, his smile showing a hint of familiarity and unexpected surprise. "Zhang Hai? It's you! Long time no see."
Zhang Hai's body jolted violently; the familiar voice and silhouette filled him with disbelief. When he saw the person's face clearly, his tense nerves instantly relaxed, and even his previously gloomy expression gradually brightened. "Minato?!" he exclaimed in surprise, his eyes filled with undisguised joy.
The man before him, named Minato Namikaze, was his old friend of many years, and one of the few truly acknowledging comrades. Zhang Hai had a clear understanding of Minato's strength. Although Minato was still young, he had already earned the formidable reputation of "Yellow Flash" on the battlefield through his own efforts. In Zhang Hai's view, Minato's strength had long surpassed that of an ordinary Chunin, definitely at the level of an elite Jonin, or even stronger. Most importantly, Minato also possessed the unpredictable "Flying Thunder God Technique," a powerful ability capable of instantly changing the course of a battle!
"If it's Minato..." Zhang Hai's heart instantly filled with confidence. His previous concerns vanished, and he even felt a surge of excitement. With Minato Namikaze around, those hidden spies would probably be too busy crying to even think about it! He looked at Minato as if he were gazing upon a vast treasure. He even began to look forward to the next move.
"I didn't expect it to be you, Minato!" Zhang Hai's face broke into a genuine smile, his joy overflowing. He walked up to Minato, patted him on the shoulder, a gesture filled with the familiarity and closeness of a long-awaited reunion.
Minato chuckled and patted him back: "Yeah, I didn't expect to run into you here either. Lord White Fang said he needed a partner who could infiltrate behind enemy lines and eliminate hidden threats, and you were the first person I thought of. Your perception and stealth abilities are unmatched in the entire Hidden Leaf Village."
Zhang Hai raised an eyebrow, feigning modesty, and said, "Likewise, your Flying Thunder God Technique is the real S-rank ninjutsu that can change the course of a battle. The title 'Yellow Flash' isn't for nothing." He knew that Minato wasn't just fast; more importantly, he possessed a deep understanding of tactics and lightning-fast judgment—that was his most valuable asset. With Minato around, those hidden rats would likely have nowhere to escape.
Watching the two interact so seamlessly, White Fang smiled with satisfaction: "Now that you've met, let's get started. These spies are yours. Remember, eliminate them as quickly as possible."
"Yes!" they both responded in unison.
After leaving White Fang's camp, Zhang Hai and Minato immediately threw themselves into their mission. Their methods were completely different, yet perfectly complementary. Minato, with the astonishing speed of the Flying Thunder God Technique, moved like a ghost through various intelligence points within Konoha. His kunai, imbued with a special formula, often locked onto targets before the enemy could even react. Zhang Hai, on the other hand, was like a phantom blending into the darkness. His chakra fluctuations were minimal, allowing him to master concealment. Utilizing terrain and shadows, he silently approached his targets, using his short sword to quietly eliminate enemy ninja attempting to deliver intelligence.
Over the course of an afternoon, the two worked seamlessly together, clearing out several known and unknown enemy ninja strongholds. Minato was responsible for rapid raids and direct confrontations; his precise Rasengan and Body Flicker Technique left the enemies no chance to retaliate. Zhang Hai, on the other hand, was responsible for sealing off the perimeter and eliminating any remaining ninjas; his swordsmanship was concise yet deadly, each strike aimed directly at a vital point.
"Your swordsmanship is getting faster and faster, Zhang Hai. It's almost as fast as my kunai." Minato said sincerely, watching Zhang Hai cleanly and efficiently sheathe his sword beside a cleared outpost.